Page 15 of Fire

“Just one date?”

“Just one. Well, two, because I promised the kiddo I was coming back tomorrow with supper. Your next day off, though, I want our date, just you and me. Is there anyone to watch, Asher?”

“Why?”

“Because, if not, I can bring my daughter over tomorrow to get to know Asher and she can watch him if you’re comfortable with her and little Tam, then?—”

“Tam?”

“My grandbaby. Though Thomas will probably be here too. He doesn’t like letting Lyla out of his sight right now. Which is good. They’ll make sure Asher is safe.”

“I can get Joe and Sarah to watch Asher.”

“Who the fuck is Joe?” I growl before I can stop myself.

She smirks, shaking her head. “That’s my boss, and Sarah is his wife.”

“Oh. That works then.”

“Were you really going to bring your family to meet me and Asher?”

“I plan on you spending a lot of time with my family and my club, Grace. The sooner the better in my book.”

“You really might be crazy,” she breathes.

I reach up and place my lips against hers. We kiss. It’s way too short, but it is still damn good. I don’t press for more. I know I’ve pushed her quite a bit tonight. Grace hasn’t thrown me out of her house or called the cops though, so I figure I’m doing okay.

“Perhaps,” I answer with a grin as we pull apart. “When is your next day off?”

“Saturday,” she answers.

“Then make the arrangements, because Saturday I’m taking you out, Gracie Lou.”

“I always hated that name,” she warns.

“I’ll make you like it,” I counter.

“That’s doubtful. It might even make me cancel our date.”

“Now, that would be a damn shame,” I purr, my mouth so close to hers that I can feel her breath.

“It would,” she agrees, her eyes closing, those full lips of her parting.That’s right, baby. Give me a taste.

I take her mouth like a man starving—mostly because that’s exactly what I am. I’ve been needing her kiss all my life. I just never knew before tonight.

11

GRACE

Maybe being insane is contagious. I don’t know who the woman smiling like an idiot at me through the reflection in the glass window of the elevator is, but I’m starting to think insanity is contagious and Ford has infected me. Not only did I have a great evening with him and Asher, but Friday, I asked Joe and Sarah to keep Asher for me today so I could go on this date. Part of me was hoping they’d have something to do so that I’d have to cancel with Ford. I needed someone to save me from myself.

They not only agreed to watch him, but they’re also keeping him for the night.

Now, I’m in an elevator with the man and sporting swollen lips—evidence of the mind-drugging kisses that Ford keeps giving me. My eyes are sparkling in a way I can’t remember them being before. I’m not sure I’ve ever been happy either. Heck, I’m pretty sure I’m edging the corners of freaking ecstatic.

Ford has his arms around my shoulders, with my body pulled into his. We’ve been upstairs at the café that’s on the rooftop enjoying a light snack. He’s told me all about his club and the men in it. I’ve heard stories of his daughter and grandbaby and seen a ton of pictures on his phone. I don’t know if Ford’s done iton purpose, but he’s also steered away from my past. As a result, the conversation has been light and fun. I’m enjoying it—even if part of me is waiting for a huge freaking anvil to fall on my head, killing me. I know that sounds dark, but I’m not the girl that good things happen to. The more time I spend with Ford, I’m starting to believe he is definitely all good, which means—for me—he isverybad.

I know it’s going to happen. I don’t know where or how, but somehow all that is wrong in my life will find a way to ruin my present. History has taught me that. I was born cursed. My grandmother told me so constantly. I’ve experienced too much not to believe she was right. The elevator dings before we make it back down to the lobby. Two people are standing, hand in hand, when the door opens.

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